Sketch qualitatively the electric field lines both between and outside two concentric conducting spherical shells when a uniformpositive charge${\mathit{q}}_{\mathbf{1}}$is on the inner shell and a uniform negative charge$\mathbf{-}{\mathit{q}}_{\mathbf{2}}$is on the outer. Consider the cases,${\mathit{q}}_{\mathbf{1}}\mathbf{=}{\mathit{q}}_{\mathbf{2}}$,${\mathit{q}}_{\mathbf{1}}\mathbf{>}{\mathit{q}}_{\mathbf{2}}$ and${\mathit{q}}_{\mathbf{1}}\mathbf{<}{\mathit{q}}_{\mathbf{2}}$.

A uniform positive chargeis placed on the inner shell and a uniform negative charge$-q_2$is on the outer shell.

The electric field lines are directed from the positive charges toward the negative charges. They never intersect each other because if intersect, then they will have two directions which is not possible.

We note that the symbol is used in the problem statement to mean the absolute valueof the negative charge that resides on the larger shell. The following sketch is for.$q_1=q_2$

Using the concept of the flow of electric field lines and keeping in mind that the positive charge on the inner shell is larger in quantity, the following sketch is for the case,.$q_1>q_2$

Using the concept of the flow of electric field lines and keeping in mind that the negative charge on the outer shell is larger in quantity, the following sketch is for the case,$q_1<q_2$.